Kentaro Kumon | Markins Ball Head

When I was studying to become a photographer, a senior photographer told me, "You can tell if a photographer is good or bad by looking at their tripod. You can't trust people who compromise on their tripod." This may have been an extreme expression of a senior's admonition, but that advice has stayed with me. It may be common sense for a photographer to always bring their favorite tripod with them even to locations where a tripod is not necessary. And you can tell how well a tripod (head) suits a person by looking at the location where they are using it.

For many years, I have used Gitzo's Type 3 and Type 5 carbon tripods and Dutch-made ball heads. Tripods have few steps. This is because you can change the size drastically with one operation. The ball heads are very simple in design, have large knobs, and I liked them because I could change the angle of the camera freely with one movement. I use them 365 days a year, so they are like an extension of my hands and feet.

However, in recent years, I have been looking for a better head. It's simple, but the camera is attached with a screw and the camera tends to move slightly when tightening the knob.

The main cameras I use now are Canon's EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS 5D Mark IV, and a mid-range digital camera with a Phase One XF body and IQ3 100MP trichromatic digital pack. I use the 1D for quick shooting, the 5D for versatility, and the Phase One for overwhelming resolution depending on the purpose, but I need to switch between them quickly. A screw-type head takes time, and I felt it was dangerous with heavy equipment like the Phase One.

I tried several ball heads, but I was not satisfied with the knob's ease of use, fixing power, safety, and durability, so I was troubled for a long time.

Then I came across the Markins ball head and plate.

Above all, I like the precision of the plate. By attaching a plate to each camera, not only can I quickly change cameras, but the L-shape prevents the plate itself from rotating (I tried other heads and plates, but when I carried the camera on the tripod while it was attached, the weight of the camera sometimes caused the plate itself to rotate). I have been using it for several months, and it has not rattled at all, and it has always stayed in place as perfectly as when it was new.

In addition to creating my own work, I also take photos in various genres upon request. In addition to my specialty, documentary photography, I also take photos of fashion, architecture, food, and more. I take photos accurately and quickly, while valuing my intuition, for any subject. Now this head is indispensable. I would like to continue to have a good tripod and head by my side without compromise.